UTS competition in New York as a trial run

Nick Kyrgios is using the upcoming UTS exhibition tournament in New York to gauge how his fitness and game are doing. This marks his comeback attempt after a series of injuries that forced him to postpone his return to the ATP Tour again.

Problems related to injuries

Kyrgios’ last appearance in a singles match on the ATP Tour was at the Japan Open in October 2022, where he reached the quarter-finals but lost a scheduled match against Taylor Fritz.

POINTS OF THE CHURCH

Soon after, in early 2023, he was due to play for Australia in the first United Cup, but withdrew due to an ankle injury. Kyrgios was also forced to cancel the Adelaide International 2 tournament as a precaution ahead of the Australian Open.

On 13 January 2023, he played in a Fast4 exhibition match against Novak Djokovic at Rod Laver Arena, where he defeated Djokovic in three sets and caused a sensation in front of a sold-out crowd. However, just before the 2023 Australian Open, he injured his knee again, requiring arthroscopic surgery to remove a cyst caused by a tear in the meniscus.

More obstacles and future vision

The series of injuries continued. After returning for the French Open, Kyrgios suffered a leg injury in an armed robbery at his home.

He then prepared for Wimbledon in June 2023, but a torn wrist ligament forced him to stop again. The injury ruled Kyrgios out for the rest of 2023 and he said he planned to return for the 2024 grass season.

However, this return was delayed, and Kyrgios began to focus on media and reporting duties. In the UTS tournament in New York, Kyrgios now has the chance to prove if he can keep up with the best players in the world.

His first duel will be against Casper Ruud. Kyrgios asked the Norwegian not to push him too hard: “I know it’s been a while,” Kyrgios announced on social media. “But my body is finally ready to get back on it the playground and have fun.

I will see if I can still compete against some of the best players in the world, starting with my old rival Casper Ruud. Casper, please be gentle with me. I can’t wait to play in front of these great fans and hopefully I can bring some life into the game.”